Making Art in the Middle of Real Life with Jenna Deibel
Here’s a clean, emotional, on-brand set: title, quote, description, and two takeaway tips — written in your warm, empathetic, creative voice with zero emojis.“Your life doesn’t have to be calm for your creativity to matter. You just have to show up anyway.” - BrandiIn this heartfelt conversation, Brandi Hofer and artist Jenna Deibel get honest about what it truly looks like to make art inside a very full life. Between children, work, dinner on the stove, and even recording this episode during Thanksgiving, Jenna proves that creativity isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you choose in the middle of the mess.Together, they talk about expressionistic painting, working through frustrating mediums, and embracing imperfection as a creative compass. They also share the very real connection between undiagnosed ADHD traits, juggling too many projects, and how consistent creative practice supports their mental health.Jenna, nine weeks away from welcoming her fourth child, speaks openly about the pressure, joy, chaos, and deep grounding that art provides. Even slipping into the studio for a few minutes while cooking dinner helps her stay connected to her work and herself. She attributes some of Brandi's teaching with the Portrait Class help her sustain a practice in her busy life!This episode is a reminder that your art doesn’t disappear when life gets busy—you just learn to meet it wherever you are.1. Show up in small moments.You don’t need a long stretch of studio time to stay connected to your creativity. Even five intentional minutes keeps the momentum—and the joy—alive.2. Don’t wait for life to get easier.Busy seasons, interruptions, and emotional ups and downs are part of being human. Let your art be the thing that holds you, grounds you, and keeps you moving forward.
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The Strange, The Creative, The Brilliant - A Triple Guest Podcast! Rene Romero Schuler and Taylor Smith
Every artist has a weird habit or two — sometimes that’s exactly where the magic starts. — Brandi This week on Colour Me Happy Podcast The Strange, The Creative, The Brilliant: You’re getting two incredible artists for the price of one! We sat down with Rene Romero Schuler and Taylor Smith, two creatives with wildly different processes but surprisingly overlapping gallery journeys. From the emotional and intentional to the messy and mischievous, we dive into the strange rituals and unexpected habits that fuel their most meaningful work — including Taylor’s hilarious confession about “borrowing” posters from city streets for her art. This episode is a celebration of the quirks, the chaos, the laughs and the pure creative spark that makes artists who they are. Your weird creative habit is in very good company here! Takeaway Tips: 1. Embrace Your Creative WeirdnessYour quirks aren’t flaws — they’re often the doorway to your most unique ideas and breakthroughs. 2. Different Paths, Same DestinationThere’s no “right” creative process. Whether structured or spontaneous, what matters is showing up and making space for expression. Dive deeper into this message of creativity and purpose in Brandi’s book Colour Me Happy — available now Click HERE
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RedefineSuccess For You! With Canadian Artist Christine Kim
Being a Woman today changes how we measure success—it’s no longer just about how much you work or accolades, it’s about creating a life that feels full and aligned.” — BrandiIn this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Toronto-based artist and teacher Christine Kim to talk about the beautiful chaos of balancing motherhood, teaching, and creative practice. Christine opens up about finding time to create after her daughter’s bedtime, redefining what success means as an artist, and how she’s embracing new ways to slow down and find peace in her process. Together, we explore what it means to make art in the margins of life while staying true to your passion and your people.Takeaway Tips:Redefine success on your own terms. Fulfillment doesn’t always come from gallery walls—it’s often found in the freedom to create and the stability to sustain your art and family.Find calm in small rituals. Whether it’s a morning coffee, an evening tea, or a mushroom blend to unwind, simple routines can help ground your creative energy through life’s busiest seasons.
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Self Acceptance Happens Here: Creating a “Good Messy” Space with Nicki Traikos
My studio is a good messy — it’s where creativity lives, where I can spread out, make mistakes, and keep growing. — Brandi This week on Colour Me Happy Podcast Creating a “Good Messy” Space with Nicki Traikos In this cozy and honest episode of Colour Me Happy, artist and creative entrepreneur Nicki Traikos shares how her once-living-room evolved into a thriving studio space — the birthplace of Life I Design. We dive into what it means to create an environment that supports your creativity, even when it’s a little “good messy.” Nicki opens up about her leap into art at age 40, the freedom that comes with age and self-acceptance, and how decluttering both your space and your mind can open doors to new adventures. Brandi Hofer joins in with her own reflections on turning 40, creative focus, and finding clarity through clearing space. Takeaway Tips: Make Room for Creativity — Declutter your space and your mind to invite new ideas, growth, and opportunities. A refreshed environment can reignite your creative energy.Embrace the “Good Messy” — Creativity doesn’t thrive in perfection. Let your studio, desk, or dining table reflect the beautiful chaos of making — it’s where your best work often begins. Be sure to check out Nikki and Lifeidesign, she has amazing books, workshops and classes! Pre-order her new book HERE
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You Were Made to Create: Embracing Your Original Spark with Laurie Shapiro
Brandi sits down with New York–based installation artist Laurie Shapiro, whose vibrant, immersive worlds remind us that creativity is as unique as a fingerprint. Together, they explore the creative process, the idea of “stealing like an artist” (as Austin Kleon says), and why true originality isn’t about being first — it’s about being authentic.Laurie shares how she builds her layered, colourful environments and how we can all push past creative self-doubt to express what’s already inside of us. Brandi ties this conversation back to a powerful message from her book Colour Me Happy:This episode is your reminder that your creativity matters — not because it’s perfect, but because it’s yours.Your art is already original — no one else has your experiences, your perspective, or your energy. What you make can’t help but be uniquely yours.Start before you feel ready. Inspiration doesn’t come first — creation does. Each brushstroke, idea, or experiment opens a new door.Dive deeper into this message of creativity and purpose in Brandi’s book Colour Me Happy — available now Buy HERE] “The universe made you — you! Out of infinite possibilities. You were meant to be here right now, in the form you are in, for a spectacular reason. Believe that you were made with purpose, because you were. The stars around you are filled with ideas, choices, and opportunities. You are a gift, and the world is on your side.” - Brandi
A podcast for creatives, dreamers, and anyone ready to live more boldly — Join me, Brandi Hofer, on Colour Me Happy! Each week, we dive deep with artists, makers, and inspiring humans to talk about what it really takes to live a creative life. We get honest, we laugh (a lot), sometimes we cry, and we always leave feeling a little more seen and connected. Because creativity isn’t just about making art — it’s about making a life that feels true to you. Tune in and see how we turn the everyday ordinary into something truly extraordinary — together.
South Africa